The first around-the-world solar flight, Solar Impulse 2, will inspire energy and technology innovations in Myanmar, spreading a pioneering spirit among youth and mobilizing enthusiasm for renewable energies.

In early March, the five-month journey spanning 35,000 km (22,000 miles) will begin in Abu Dhabi, and the Si2 will make its forth stopover in Myanmar, grounded in Mandalay for three days. Myanmar is the only Southeast Asia stop. The Government of Myanmar, together with the Embassy of Switzerland in Myanmar and Solar ...

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In early March, the five-month journey spanning 35,000 km (22,000 miles) will begin in Abu Dhabi, and the Si2 will make its forth stopover in Myanmar, grounded in Mandalay for three days. Myanmar is the only Southeast Asia stop. The Government of Myanmar, together with the Embassy of Switzerland in Myanmar and Solar Impulse, is making the visit to Myanmar possible, with support from local partner First Myanmar Investment Co. Ltd. (FMI) and international partners Schindler and ABB.

Solar Impulse 2's visit is a significant milestone marking Myanmar's arrival to the international stage and will raise awareness on the pressing need for sustainable and innovative energy solutions. During the plane's stop in Mandalay, approximately 1,000 students from the surrounding universities will attend educational learning sessions, meeting with the pilots and gaining knowledge around renewable energies. Scheduled times for the public to enjoy a close-up view of the plane will be announced closer to the landing date.

"With the support of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Thein Sein, the Government and the people of Myanmar, we are a few short weeks away from a historical moment for the country, the energy industry and innovators across the globe," said Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Christoph Burgener. "An idea born in Switzerland, Solar Impulse seeks original solutions to achieve the impossible, teaching us that working together delivers superior outcomes. Similarly, as the Myanmar people come together, a brilliant future will be fostered for the country."

"The co-pilots and founders of Solar Impulse embody a spirit that can inspire present and future generations in Myanmar and around the world to be explorers in their own lives." said U Linn Myiang, Chief Operating Officer, FMI. "As a country blessed with many natural resources, the cause for renewable energies lies close to home. Much of our country's success lies in identifying technologies that promote sustainable energy. The Solar Impulse 2 reminds us that such innovation and technology is available with unrelenting persistence and imagination."

The Swiss pilots, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, both pioneers and innovators, are the driving force behind Solar Impulse and strong believers that exploring and pioneering spirit can change the world. After 12 years of planning and development, the plane will fly over the Arabian Sea, India, Myanmar, China, the Pacific Ocean, the United States, the Atlantic Ocean, and southern Europe or North Africa, before closing the loop by returning to the point of departure, Abu Dhabi.

“The authorities and our partners in Myanmar are aware of the importance of clean technologies. I still remember flying in the Orbiter 2 over Myanmar. It was gorgeous to fly in a silent way over so many temples calling for inner peace and wisdom,” announced Bertrand Piccard, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse. André Borschberg, co-founder and pilot of Solar Impulse added, “I am looking forward to meeting students in Mandalay, organized by FMI, as Solar Impulse is also about working together to inspire the current and future generations of the world.”

"Schindler is very proud to be one of the main partners of Solar Impulse, with both sharing the same goal to push the limits in the development of innovative technology to safely move people with less energy. Operating in Myanmar since 1999, the company is thrilled to welcome the plane and the project team on the latest leg of a great journey”, said Willis Phua, General Manager of Schindler Myanmar.

"ABB’s vision is 'Power and productivity for a better world' which is why the landing of Solar Impulse in Myanmar is close to our hearts. Both ABB and Solar Impulse are taking novel and creative approaches to solving future energy challenges in a responsible way, and as Myanmar enters a new era of economic development, it has the opportunity to make decisions that have a positive impact for generations to come," said Johan de Villiers, Managing Director of Singapore and South-East Asia, ABB. "We need to raise awareness about the need to use energy more efficiently – and this is one message Solar Impulse will be taking around the world."